Dr. Philana Payton on Staying Present and Black Women's Resilience in Hollywood History

The Cohort Sistas Podcast

Get ready to immerse yourself in an enriching exploration of film and media studies as we unfold the intriguing world of early 20th-century Black silent cinema with Dr. Philana Payton. As an assistant professor at the University of California, Irvine, she provides insightful perspectives on the complex interplay of race, gender, and visual culture in media. She also gives us a glimpse into her academic journey, her new hobby of DJing, and her favorite movies.
Dr. Payton candidly shares her transition from a master's degree to a Ph.D. program. Her determination and resilience are evident from her first undergraduate research program at Howard University to applying for almost all film and media studies programs in California. Listen to her recount her experiences at USC, her decision to pursue her studies there, and the enormous influence of being located in the hub of the industry. You'll gain insights into her research on black silent cinema and how this has shaped her understanding of contemporary black cinema.
Finally, we delve into the often-underappreciated history of black women in Hollywood. From Billie Holiday to Beyoncé, we discuss the challenges they faced while trying to gain support, land significant roles, and achieve mainstream recognition in the entertainment industry. Dr. Payton also shares her personal experience of balancing academia and creative work, highlighting the importance of finding a supportive community both within and outside the academic realm. This is a conversation you wouldn’t want to miss. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that not only shines a light on the struggles of black women in Hollywood but also celebrates their resilience and triumphs.

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1. Dr. Philana Payton on Staying Present and Black Women's Resilience in Hollywood History (00:00:00)

2. Black Women in Hollywood and Culture (00:00:13)

3. Choose Grad School; Master's to PhD (00:13:54)

4. Black Silent Cinema and PhD Programs (00:24:22)

5. Black Women's Evolution in Media (00:32:16)

6. Black Women in Hollywood (00:38:16)

7. Balancing Academia and Creative Work (00:45:05)

8. Find Your Community for Support (00:55:02)